Last year I discovered a very tasty and healthy drink called kombucha. Kombucha is a fermented tea that originated in China. While researching the tea, I came across some fascinating articles on how a designer/scientist is using kombucha to create fabrics for her designs! Suzanne Lee is a Senior Researcher at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts & Design in London.
"Our strengths are in translating bio-innovations and imagineering future products. We follow the latest developments in biomaterials and biomanufacturing that have potential consumer application in the now, near and far future. " - Suzanne Lee
She aims to develop technology to use synthetic biology to grow organisms for future consumer products.
In her book Fashioning the Future: Tomorrow's Wardrobe, Lee explains her idea of a future design for fashion textiles made from bacteria while addressing sustainability issues. Lee uses kombucha,cellulose, fungi, algae, chitin and protein fibers to produce her garments. When mixed with acetobacter, kombucha form's a thin biofilm on the surface, that once removed and dried has the texture of thin leather. The process takes up to 4 weeks to complete one piece of clothing.
"one day it might be possible to produce bacterial cellulose in a huge array of different forms, feels and colours. In the future we could find ourselves surrounded by bacterial cellulose – in our clothes, our books and magazines, our cars, our buildings… the possibilities are almost endless!" - Suzanne Lee
Video: Ted Talks with Suzanne Lee
Kombucha can be purchased at a local Whole Foods or Organic/Health food store. Some of the more innovative and braver folks try making their own!
biocouture.co.uk, wmagazine, antenna.sciencemuseum.org.uk
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